The acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, appeared before the Senate on Wednesday for her screening and confirmation as the substantive CJN, making a strong declaration against corruption within the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who has been serving in an acting capacity since August following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, emphasized her commitment to transparency, asserting, “I have zero tolerance for corruption.”
She further noted that all pre-election matters must terminate at the Court of Appeal.
The screening session followed a formal request from President Bola Tinubu, who submitted a letter to the Senate on Tuesday, citing Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.
The section empowers the President to appoint a Chief Justice based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to Senate approval.
In his letter, Tinubu wrote: “I hereby forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s prompt consideration and approval.”
If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become Nigeria’s 23rd substantive Chief Justice and the second female to hold the prestigious position in the nation’s history.
During the Senate plenary, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the chamber suspended its standing rules to permit the entry of key visitors, including Supreme Court justices and senior presidential aides, in a show of support for the nominee.
